Thanks to Ruveliss's decisive actions, the foreign princesses' schemes are thwarted, but it was merely a prelude to the oncoming turmoil. Political machinations at the court intensify with the emperor's waning health...and at the center of it all stands Aristia. Further adding to her troubles, the shadow inside Allendis's heart continues to grow, and Carsein suffers a grave injury while protecting her from mysterious assassins. With crisis after crisis erupting all around her, Tia finds herself relying more and more on Ruveliss for support... ...All the while, the cogs of fate ever spin, indifferent to the struggles of mortals...until the gears click into place at the destined hour-Jieun has arrived.